When you buy an insurance policy, you buy a promise. You pay your premiums with the understanding that, when the worst happens, your insurer will be there to help bear the burden. Sometimes, that trust is broken. Instead of help in a time of need, some people are met with denied claims, endless delays, or even misrepresentations of what their policy covers. When an insurance company does not hold up its end of the deal, they are acting in bad faith.
The insurer is relying on the idea that you will not push back, that you will accept a denial or a lowball offer because you are overwhelmed. Our team of experienced bad-faith attorneys knows these tactics all too well, and we are ready to step in when your insurance provider is not playing fair.
Our approach is simple: we listen, we investigate, and we fight. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, thoroughly review the details of your claim, and build a strategy that addresses the insurance company’s bad-faith actions.
We are here to make sure that you get the benefits you are entitled to and, in some cases, recover additional damages for the undue stress and hardship caused by an insurer’s bad faith. Contact our Orange Co. bad-faith attorneys at 818-886-2525 for a consultation.
We are ready to hold insurance companies accountable for their bad-faith practices and get the compensation you are entitled to.
What Is Insurance Bad Faith?
Insurance bad faith happens when an insurance company fails to meet its obligations to policyholders in an unfair, dishonest, or unreasonable way. When you purchase an insurance policy, you are entering into a contract with the insurance company.
That contract includes an unspoken duty of “good faith,” meaning the insurer is expected to handle your claims honestly, fairly, and in a timely manner. However, when insurers prioritize profits over policyholders, they sometimes act in “bad faith,” denying or delaying valid claims without a legitimate reason.
Common Bad Faith Practices Used by Insurance Companies
Common bad-faith practices used by insurance companies can range from annoying to downright unethical, leaving you feeling helpless and frustrated. Here are some of the typical tactics that insurance companies might use to avoid paying claims:
- Unreasonable Delays: Insurance companies might drag out the investigation or decision-making process unnecessarily, hoping that the delay will pressure the claimant into accepting a lower settlement or giving up entirely.
- Denying Claims Without Adequate Reason: Another frequent bad faith practice is the outright denial of claims without a sufficient or legitimate reason. Insurers might fail to provide a clear explanation for the denial, or they may misinterpret the policy language intentionally to avoid payouts.
- Undervaluing Claims: Insurance adjusters are often instructed to minimize the amount the company pays out. This can lead them to undervalue the cost of repairs, medical treatments, or other covered losses, offering settlements that are far below what is fair or required by the policy.
- Failing to Conduct a Proper Investigation: A fair investigation is crucial for a legitimate insurance claim process. Bad faith might be at play if an insurance company makes a decision without a thorough investigation or if the investigation is biased toward findings that favor the insurer.
- Inadequate Investigations: Some insurers conduct only cursory or biased investigations, often overlooking crucial evidence that supports the policyholder’s claim. By ignoring information or dismissing evidence, insurers can deny legitimate claims under the guise of incomplete findings.
- Lowball Settlement Offers: In cases where an insurer does agree to pay a claim, they might offer far less than the claim is worth. This “lowballing” tactic is designed to save money, hoping that claimants will accept the first offer, even if it does not come close to covering their expenses.
- Threatening Policy Cancellation: In some instances, insurance companies may threaten to cancel a policy or refuse to renew it if a claim is filed, especially with complex claims like disability or long-term care. This intimidation tactic is intended to dissuade policyholders from filing claims or challenging denials, effectively using fear to prevent rightful payouts.
What Should I Do When My Insurance Company Acts in Bad Faith?
When you suspect your insurance company is acting in bad faith, it is crucial to respond strategically to protect your rights and interests. First, gather all relevant documentation related to your claim, including correspondence with the insurance company, the initial insurance policy, and any records of denied claims or delayed payments. These documents will serve as essential evidence if you need to escalate the matter.
Next, keep all your written communication with the insurer. This detailed record-keeping can be invaluable in building your case.
It is also important to review your insurance policy thoroughly to understand the coverage details and the insurer’s responsibilities. If the policy language is confusing, consider consulting with an Orange Co. bad faith insurance lawyer. They can clarify the terms and determine whether your insurer has indeed violated the terms of your contract.
If your insurance claim is denied, contact an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney may be able to help you appeal the denial or provide legal advice on how to proceed with your appeal.
If your attempts to resolve the dispute directly with your insurer fail, you should formally appeal the decision. Most policies outline a specific procedure for disputes, and following these procedures is critical, as failing to adhere to them can undermine your case in subsequent legal actions.
If your appeal is denied, it may be time to consider litigation. Contacting a skilled bad-faith insurance attorney can help you understand your legal options. Our attorneys will evaluate your case and assist you in filing a lawsuit against the insurer.
Legal action can compel the insurer to fulfill their obligations under the policy and possibly pay additional damages for the inconvenience and financial strain their actions have caused.
Why Choose Kantor & Kantor?
Here are reasons to choose us as your Orange County bad faith insurance lawyers.
1. Renowned Expertise
With decades of combined legal experience, our attorneys focus on insurance law and understand the complexities involved in bad faith claims. We have a proven track record of successfully handling and resolving disputes against insurance companies, ensuring our clients receive the benefits and compensation they rightfully deserve.
2. Unwavering Advocacy
When you are up against a big insurance company, you need a firm that is not afraid to fight for you. Kantor & Kantor is known for its vigorous advocacy and unwavering commitment to obtaining justice for our clients. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which positions us favorably in negotiations and in the courtroom.
3. A History of Successful Outcomes
Our attorneys have handled hundreds of cases involving bad-faith insurance practices and have a strong record of winning favorable outcomes for our clients. Insurance companies recognize our commitment, and they know we will not back down when it comes to protecting your rights.
4. Client-Centric Approach
At Kantor & Kantor, we put our clients first. We understand the emotional and financial toll that insurance disputes can take on individuals and families, and we strive to reduce this burden by handling all aspects of the litigation process with the utmost care and professionalism.
Want the team at Kantor & Kantor to support you through your bad faith claim? Contact us today at 818-886-2525.
Other Ways Kantor & Kantor Can Help
Here is how we can assist you if you suspect your insurance company is acting in bad faith:
- Thorough Investigation: Our first step is to conduct a comprehensive review of your case. We examine your insurance policy in detail, assess the insurer’s reasons for denying your claim, and gather evidence that supports your position.
- Pursuing Full Damages: When insurance companies act in bad faith, it can cause financial and emotional hardships. We fight for every dollar you are entitled to. You deserve not only what your policy promised but also compensation for the impact the denial has had on your life.
- Skilled Negotiation and Litigation: Our attorneys are experienced negotiators who know how to approach insurers with compelling arguments backed by evidence. We will work hard to reach a fair settlement, but we understand that litigation is often necessary to achieve the best outcome. If your insurer remains uncooperative, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial and make sure you are in the best position to win.
Contact Our Orange County Bad Faith Attorneys Today
Our Orange County bad faith attorneys have seen the tactics used by insurance companies to delay, deny, and reduce claims. Your insurance policy is a promise, and a breach of that promise can have significant repercussions on your life.
Bad-faith cases are often complex, involving specific legal procedures and strategies that only an experienced bad-faith attorney knows how to handle. Our attorneys understand the insurance industry, and we know how to identify and challenge the tactics insurers use to avoid paying claims.
When you work with us, you have a partner who will not back down and who has the resources and skill to confront even the most daunting opposition.
Contact our Orange Co. bad-faith attorneys at 818-886-2525 for a consultation.
Attorney Glenn R. Kantor
Glenn Kantor is a founding partner of Kantor & Kantor LLP. As a young attorney, Glenn saw the injustice of wrongful insurance denials and created a law firm to represent individuals seeking to obtain their rightful benefits. Glenn is committed to ensure that clients receive the benefits they are entitled to under their insurance policies or group health plans. [Attorney Bio]
